A Toronto-based startup founded by Ryerson alumni now offers the world's largest online database of distilled spirits. Daniel Donlonv of
Distilus says the company now offers listings for more than 1,300 spirits from more than 100 countries.
Founded in 2009 by Marco Molinaro and business partner Nick Ajram, the company is currently in the process of rolling out a 2.0 version of its online catalogue. Donlon writes by email that one of the latest features of the site extends an innovation Distilus had previously offered only to Ontarians.
"When a user is looking to purchase a particular spirit, they can locate it on our site, determine the volume that they are interested in purchasing, and then view the LCBO locations nearest them that currently have it in stock. This feature has, however, just recently expanded to have universal appeal."
Now the site allows users all over the world to find beverages for sale in their own country. "Regardless of what country you live in, when you are viewing a product on the site, you will be able to find the retailers nearest you (sometimes in neighbouring countries, if it's not available in your home country) that carry that spirit, as well as pricing information that will be displayed in your home currency," Donlon says. "Also, if the option is available to you, you will be able to place an online order for the spirit and have it delivered to you by visiting the retailer's website."
Two years in, Donlon says the company has employed technological tools to create a worldwide virtual office. "We all use technology to communicate with one another to make our dream live, despite the fact that we live so far apart and are in different time zones.... Our dream of impacting the international liquor scene is becoming a reality."
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Daniel Donlon, Marketing Intern, Distilus